Meaningless Meanderings

Anti-social Socialites

Spring break at Lock Haven University is slowly coming to an end. Some students are returning from their tropical retreats, boarding plans in Cancun or driving from Florida, trying to avoid the thought of returning to a classroom after having a small taste of freedom. Others are thankful of the commencement of classes, as it allows them to leave their homes and return to the college environment to express themselves with their friends. It would seem that wherever a spring break takes a college student, a social gathering ensues.

Well, for most of the students, at least.

I am able to count myself among the few who did not travel during my spring break. You won't find my face in newspapers due to a crashed party, or see my name pop up as I increased the population of one of these “party cities.” Instead, I remained at my apartment, took the time off from work, and pursued other means of enjoyment during my “vacation.”

Yet I do not see my solitude as being anti-social. I will not claim that the silence was needed for my work, since I did not work the entire time. I cannot state that separation from society assisted my work in any way except that it symbolized the removal of distractions. Even with the few visitors I had, I still spent a great deal of time alone.

What makes this so odd? The simple fact that I consider myself a very social, anti-social person.

This may seem contradictory, but I've been meeting more students who are the same way, and I've realized that this isn't exactly as odd as it seems. When I desire it, I have a very social life; I can meet with people, discuss and debate topics ranging from politics to movie plots, and even schmooze at a party when the time calls for it. Yet, when I am not in that environment, I will not pursue it. Instead, I prefer having the company of silence; I become anti-social and prefer to keep to myself.

I've been uncertain if the idea of this is intriguing or disturbing, and I also must consider why is this so? Perhaps it is the popularity of instant messengers, allowing non-verbal communication to almost become a norm. Or it could be the frequent use of cell phones, allowing anyone to be contacted at any time. With these ideas, it is difficult to actually be “alone,” so can one who is “alone” for a short time be anti-social?

Just a thought for you to mull over. As for me, I have some non-verbal social living to make up for.